Binissalem wine region

Binissalem on Mallorca has many wines that are more than decent

Binissalem was the first wine appellation on the Balearic Islands, founded in 1991. The wine region has a long history: wine was produced here since Roman times (121 BC). The Romans themselves said that the wines from Mallorca were as good as those from Italy.

Between 1865 and 1890, the Phylloxera plague attacked the vineyards of France, and from France it rapidly expanded to Mallorca. The Phylloxera hit the Island of Mallorca in 1891 and destroyed all the vineyards, so destroying the main economical source of the island. this resulteted in an emigration period that lasted from 1891 to 1895. The wine crisis had a big impact on the inhabitants of Mallorca.

During the Civil War the wine production was paralyzed, and after the war the vineyards became less important due to the need of other substantial agricultural products.

However, over the last decade the wine industry has improved much in quality (not so much in quantity), and great efforts made in the wineries result in many high qulity wines coming getting to the market.

Location and climate

The production area, 600 hectares, is located in the central area of the island of Mallorca (Majorca) distributed in five municipalities: Santa María del Camí, Binissalem, Sencelles, Consell and Santa Eugènia.

The climate is mild and Mediterranean, summers are dry and hot, and winters are short. The Sierra de Tramuntana or Alfabia protects the production area of northerly winds, creating a good climate for growing grapes.

Soils consist of sand, limestone and gypsum loam resting on clay and loam, are rich in calcium materials.

Grapes used

The grape varieties of D.O. Binissalem-Mallorca are:

Reds

Manto Negro (native), Callet (native grape), Tempranillo, Syrah, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Red wines should have, by regulation of the DO, at least 50% of Manto Negro and a 30%maximum of Cabernet and Syrah.

Whites

Moll or Prensal Blanc (native grape), Macabeo, Parellada, Moscatel and Chardonnay. By regulation of the D.O., white wines should have at least 50% of Moll or Prensal Blanc.

General characteristics of the wines

Red Wines: are the most commonly wine on the island of Mallorca - Majorca (75% of total production) and they have most fame. In the red wines dominates the characteristics of the local variety Manto Negro. The color is not very intense; the wines are structured with aromas of ripe fruit and wood.
White wines: they are usually straw colored, fruity, dominated by the characteristics of the local variety Moll or Prensal Blanc. The palate is fresh, balanced and slightly bitter.
Rosé wines: these wines have a pinkish color with aromas of ripe fruit.

Important wineries in Binissalem

Bodegues Macià Batle. Featured wines: Macià Batle Blanc de Blancs (White wine), Macià Batle Blanc Dolç (White wine), Macià Batle Reserva Privada (Red wine Reserva), P. De Marìa (Red wine), Macià Batle (Red wine Crianza) , Llàgrima de Sang (Red wine).
Celler Tianna Negre. Featured wines: Ses Nines Selección (Red wine), Tianna (Red wine), Ses Nines (Red wine).
Jaume de Puntiró. Featured wines: Daurat (White wine fermentado en barrica), Jaume de Puntiró Rosat (Rosé), Jaume de Puntiró Carmesí (Red wine), J.P. (Red wine Crianza).
José L. Ferrer. Featured wines: Veritas (White wine fermented in barrels), Dues Cabernet Sauvignon Mantonegro (Red wine), José L. Ferrer (Red wine Crianza), José L. Ferrer Veritas (Red wine Reserva).
Vins Nadal. Featured wines: Albaflor (White wine), Albaflor (Rosé), Albaflor (Red wine).
Vinya Taujana. Featured wines: Vinya Taujana Blanc de Blancs (White wine), Torrent Fals (Red wine Crianza).
Vinyes i Vins Ca Sa Padrina. Featured wines: Mollet González Suñer White wine Joven, Manto negro González Suñer (Red wine).

Details and numbers

Vineyards: 63,593 hectares
Number of Wineries in La Rioja: 1,202
Production: 280 - 300 million liters each year. 90% of red wine and 10% white and rosé wines.
Export/import of the wines: 69% are sold in Spain, 31% are exported